Orchestra Night showcases district talent Feb. 16

It’s that time of the year again: time for Orchestra Night, which showcases the talent of more than 800 students in the middle school and high school orchestras at the University of Michigan Hill Auditorium.

This year features special guest conductors and coaches, including University of Michigan professor Christopher Lees, Oriol Sans, Kevin Miller and E. Daniel Long.

Next Thursday’s event also features the Skyline seniors, because this is the first year the 4-year-old school has a graduating class, said Timario Wilkins, orchestra teacher at Scarlett. “We’re just all excited about seeing them and what they’re going to do.”

Wilkins attended Scarlett, Huron and Pioneer, and he’s participated as a student in the Orchestra Nights. “Orchestra Night for me is like Christmas and a birthday all rolled up in one,” he said. “It’s the best orchestra musical night of the year. We invite everyone to come listen to us.”

Orchestra Night, which is sponsored by the PTO Thrift Shop, takes place at Hill Auditorium on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call 734-994-2314.